Mazda introduced the sixth generation of the mid-size sedan 626 in 1997 and built it with Ford when the two carmakers made the AutoAlliance International.

The fifth generation of the Mazda 626 was introduced in 1991 in Japan and in the following year in Europe. The U.S. version was introduced in 1992 as a 1993 model.

The fourth generation of the Mazda 626 was one of Japan's most comfortable vehicles, and it featured an electronic all-wheel-steering system.